Rotary Youth leadership Awards

Rotary Youth Leadership Progam

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an international program that was created by Rotary International to encourage strong leadership in youth. Young people chosen for their leadership potential attend an all-expenses-paid camp at Westminster College in New Wilmingrton, PA to develop and enhance leadership skills through activities conducted in an atmosphere of trust and respect.

RYLA aims to teach what it takes to be an effective leader. Every RYLA includes the following topics:

Fundamentals of leadership

Ethics of positive leadership

Importance of communication skills in effective leadership

Conflict management and problem solving

Building self-esteem and self confidence

Elements of community and global citizenship

Rotary's purpose of service to the community and world

District 7280’s RYLA program began over 25 years ago with the encouragement and vision of Trueman Mills of the Clarion Rotary Club. Along with the then Dean of Students of Westminster College, and Zane Gizzi the District’s first on-site Director for RYLA, these men developed a program that is virtually unchanged today. In 1994 the leadership changed when PDG Lee Ahlum stepped in as RYLA 7280 Chairman, and Stacy Gallagher took over as on-site Director. These two, along with Jackie Jaros who was hired as co-Director in 2003 have revolutionized the program into what it is today.